Strong Songs

Three different artists! Three different covers! Of songs by one beloved band!On the second edition of "Strong Covers," we're digging into covers of three Beatles classics: Earth, Wind & Fire's maximalist remake of "Gotta Get You Into My Life,"  Ray Charles' saucy reimagining of "Eleanor Rigby," and Bobby McFerrin's delicate recitation of "Blackbird." Come for the English-accented rhyme schemes, stay for the impeccable voice leading.Covered (lol) on this episode:"Gotta Get You Into My Life" by Paul McCartney/Lennon-McCartney, as covered by Earth, Wind & Fire in 1978"Eleanor Rigby" by Paul McCartney/Lennon-McCartney, as covered by Ray Charles in 1968"Blackbird" by Paul McCartney/Lennon-McCartney, as covered by Bobby McFerrin on The Voice, 1984OUTRO SOLOIST: Sam HowardThis episode's outro soloist is bassist Sam Howard. Sam performs and tours with all kinds of artists, from the Wailin' Jennys to Molly Tuttle. After his solo on the bridge, he played all the way through the song's outro, so keep an ear out for his playing mixed under the horns on the way out. You can find out what Sam's up to on his website, https://samhowardmusic.com.--------------------FEBRUARY 2022 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONSDaniel Hannon-Barry – RR Prince M. Levy-Benitez – Elliot Rosen – Ashley Hoag – Mark and Michelle – Kelsair – Rob Bosworth – Kyle Cooke – Donald Mackie – Melissa Osborne – Christopher Miller – Tim Byrne – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – Joshua Jarvis – Niko – Joe Laska – Laurie Acreman – Ken Hirsh – Jez – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – Simon Cammell – Guinevere Boostrom – Narelle Horn – Bill Rosinger – Erin – Aidan Coughlan – Jeanneret Manning Family Four – Doug Paton – Dave Sharpe – Sami Samhuri – AccessViolation – Ryan Torvik – Merlin Mann – Glenn – Jim Chokey – Andre Bremer – Mark Schechter – Dave FloreyFEBRUARY 2022 HALF-NOTE PATRONSPortland Eye Care – Adam Ray – Anupama Raghavan – Demetri Detsaridis – Carrie Schneider – Alenka Grealish – Anne Gerry – Richard Sneddon – David Judson – Julian Roleff – Melissa Gallardo – Janice Berry – Doreen Carlson – Mtwolf – David McDarby – Abigail Duffield – Rapha David – Wendy Gilchrist – Lisa Turner – Paul Wayper – Miles Forman – Dennis M. Edwards – Jeffrey Ferris – Bruno Gaeta – Kenneth Jungben – Adam Stofsky – Zak Remer – Rishi Sahay – Jason Reitman – Greg Burgess – Ailie Fraser – Simon Prieto – Paul McGreal – Karen Arnold – Natalie Mistilis – Josh Singer – Phino DeLeon – Schloss Edward J., MD – Amy Lynn Thornsen – Adam W – Kelli Brockington – Stephen Rawlings – Ben Machta – Victoria Yu – Kevin Rivers – Brad Clark – Christopher – Michael J. Cunningham – Kari Kirk – Mark Boggs – Mino Capossela – Steve Paquin – Mary Schoenmaker – Sarah – David Joske – Emma Sklar – Bernard Khoo – David Blackman – Robert Heuer – Matthew Golden – Brian Meldrum – David Noah – Geraldine Butler – Richard Cambier – Madeleine Mader – Timothy Dougherty – Jason Pratt – Caroline Miller – Abbie Berg – Sam Norton – Nicole Schleicher – Doug Belew – Dermot Crowley – Achint Srivastava – Ryan Rairigh – Michael Berman – Olivia Bishop – John Gisselquist – Elaine Martin – Kouroth – Bonnie Prinsen – Sharon Tree – Belinda McGrath-Steer – Liz Seger – Eoin de Burca – Kevin Potter – M. Shane Borders – Pete Simm – Susan Plein – Dallas Hockley – Jana J – Jason Gerry – Nathan Gouwens – Will Dwyer – Alethea Lee – Lauren Reay – Eric Prestemon – Cookies250 – Damian Brady – Angela Livingstone – Jeffy Thanadros – David Friedman – Phillip Dalton – Sarah Sulan – Diane Hughes – Kenneth Tiong – Jo Sutherland – Michael Casner – Michael York – Barb Courtney – Derek Bender – Jen Small – Lowell Meyer – Etele Illes – Stephen Tsoneff – Lorenz Schwarz – Wen – Jack Sjogren – Geoff Golden – Robyn Fraser – Pascal Rueger – Randy Souza – JC – Clare Holberton – Diane Turner – Tom Coleman – Tijs Soete – Mark Perry – Dhu Wik – Mel – Eric Helm – Jake Roberts – Bill Fuller – Steven Maron – Michael Flaherty – Jarrod Schindler – Zoe Little – Caro Field – Michael Bochner – Duncan – Naomi Watson – David Cushman – Alexander – Chris K – Gavin Doig – Sam Fenn – Tanner Morton – AJ Schuster – Jennifer Bush – David Stroud – Amanda Furlotti – Andrew Baker – Matt Gaskell – Jules Bailey – Eero Wahlstedt – Andrew Fair – Bill Thornton – Brian Amoebas – Brett Douville – Jeffrey Olson – Matt Betzel – Mueller – Nate from Kalamazoo – Melanie Stivers – Richard Toller – Alexander Polson – Earl Lozada – Jon O’Keefe – Justin McElroy – Arjun Sharma – James Johnson – Andrew Lee – Kevin Morrell – Kevin Pennyfeather – Nicholas Schechter – Emily Williams --------------------💃STRONG SONGS LIVE!🕺July 11, 2026 | Portland, ORBuy Tickets Here----LINKS-----💰 SUPPORT STRONG SONGS!Patreon | One-Time Donation🏠 HOMEPAGE👚 MERCH💬 DISCORD SERVER📬 KIRK'S NEWSLETTER🎸 KIRK'S GEAR & INSTRUMENTS🎶 KIRK'S MUSIC📷 KIRK’S SOCIAL MEDIA:Instagram | YouTube | Bluesky🎧 EVERY STRONG SONG:Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music🎨 SHOW ART:Tom Deja, Bossman Graphics

What do George Michael, Nicki Minaj, Ed Sheeran, and the Powerpuff Girls have in common?The answer, as you'll learn on this episode, is a funk drumming legend named Clyde Stubblefield. We'll also talk about flipped drum beats, Sting's taste for syncopation, the differences between cheap and expensive musical instruments, how to tell a bridge from a prechorus, the power of a four-note motif, the unexpected places you can find songwriting inspiration, and Muse's subtle hat-tip to a George Michael classic.FEATURED ON THIS EPISODE:“Darling” by Real Estate from In Mind, 2017"Ghost Story" by Sting from Brand New Day, 1999“You Really Got Me” by The Kinks, 1964“Walking on Broken Glass” and "Little Bird" by Annie Lennox from Diva, 1992Skins theme by Segal, 2007“Kiss” by Prince from Parade, 1986"Beneath the Snow" by Kirk Hamilton from... well, it's never been published"Dig Down" by Muse from Simulation Theory, 2017“Freedom ’90” by George Michael, 1990“Royals” by Lorde from Pure Heroine, 2013“Funky Drummer” by James Brown feat. Clyde Stubblefield, 1970“Fight the Power” by Public Enemy, 1989“Save Me” by Nicki Minaj, 2010“Shirtsleeves” by Ed Sheeran, 2014The Powerpuff Girls theme, by James L. Venable, 1998A complete list of songs that sample Clyde Stubblefield’s drum break on “Funky Drummer”Ben Sisario’s 2011 NYT feature on StubblefieldOUTRO SOLOIST: Mel CarrollMel Carroll is a saxophonist and music teacher based in Portland, OR, where she plays with bands like like Special Purpose and the all-women 90s cover band Sideboob. Her main music project is The Flat Nines, a  chill jazz funk group with a new EP, "No Hate," coming in spring of 2022. You can find more at theflatnines.com.--------------------JANUARY 2022 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONSRR Prince M. Levy-Benitez – Elliot Rosen – Ashley Hoag – Mark and Michelle – Kelsair – Rob Bosworth – Kyle Cooke – Donald Mackie – Melissa Osborne – Christopher Miller – Tim Byrne – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joshua Jarvis – Niko – Joe Laska – Laurie Acreman – Ken Hirsh – Jez – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – Simon Cammell – Guinevere Boostrom – Narelle Horn – Nathaniel Bauernfeind – Bill Rosinger – Anne Britt – Erin – Aidan Coughlan – Jeanneret Manning Family Four – Doug Paton – Robert Paul – Dave Sharpe – Sami Samhuri – AccessViolation – Ryan Torvik – Merlin Mann – Glenn – Jim Chokey – Andre Bremer – Mark Schechter – Dave FloreyJANUARY 2022 HALF-NOTE PATRONSAnupama Raghavan – Demetri Detsaridis – Carrie Schneider – Alenka Grealish – Anne Gerry – Richard Sneddon – David Judson – Julian Roleff – Melissa Gallardo – Janice Berry – Doreen Carlson – Mtwolf – David McDarby – Abigail Duffield – Rapha David – Wendy Gilchrist – Lisa Turner – Paul Wayper – Miles Forman – Dennis M. Edwards – Jeffrey Ferris – Bruno Gaeta – Kenneth Jungben – Adam Stofsky – Zak Remer – Rishi Sahay – Jason Reitman – Karen Liu – Greg Burgess – Ailie Fraser – Simon Prieto – Paul McGreal – Karen Arnold – Natalie Mistilis – Josh Singer – Phino DeLeon – Schloss Edward J., MD – Amy Lynn Thornsen – Adam W – Kelli Brockington – Stephen Rawlings – Ben Machta – Victoria Yu – Kevin Rivers – Gray Dyer – Brad Clark – Christopher – Michael J. Cunningham – Kari Kirk – Mark Boggs – Mino Capossela – Steve Paquin – Mary Schoenmaker – Sarah – David Joske – Emma Sklar – Bernard Khoo – Marc – David Blackman – Robert Heuer – Matthew Golden – Brian Meldrum – David Noah – Geraldine Butler – Richard Cambier – Madeleine Mader – Timothy Dougherty – Jason Pratt – Stewart Oak – Caroline Miller – Abbie Berg – Sam Norton – Nicole Schleicher – Doug Belew – Dermot Crowley – Achint Srivastava – Ryan Rairigh – Michael Berman – Bridget Lyons – Olivia Bishop – John Gisselquist – Elaine Martin – Kouroth – Bonnie Prinsen – Sharon Tree – Belinda McGrath-Steer – Liz Seger – Eoin de Burca – Kevin Potter – M. Shane Borders – Pete Simm – Susan Plein – Dallas Hockley – Jana J – Jason Gerry – Nathan Gouwens – Will Dwyer – Alethea Lee – Lauren Reay – Eric Prestemon – Cookies250 – Damian Brady – Angela Livingstone – Jeffy Thanadros – David Friedman – Phillip Dalton – Sarah Sulan – Diane Hughes – Kenneth Tiong – Jo Sutherland – Michael Casner – Michael York – Barb Courtney – Derek Bender – Jen Small – Lowell Meyer – Etele Illes – Stephen Tsoneff – Lorenz Schwarz – Wen – Jack Sjogren – Geoff Golden – Robyn Fraser – Pascal Rueger – Randy Souza – JC – Brendan Jubb – Clare Holberton – Diane Turner – Tom Coleman – Tijs Soete – Mark Perry – Dhu Wik – Mel – Eric Helm – Jake Roberts – Briony Leo – Bill Fuller – Steven Maron – Michael Flaherty – Jarrod Schindler – Zoe Little – Caro Field – Michael Bochner – Duncan – Naomi Watson – David Cushman – Alexander – Chris K – Gavin Doig – Sam Fenn – Tanner Morton – AJ Schuster – Jennifer Bush – David Stroud – Amanda Furlotti – Andrew Baker – Matt Gaskell – Jules Bailey – Eero Wahlstedt – Andrew Fair – Bill Thornton – Brian Amoebas – Brett Douville – Jeffrey Olson – Matt Betzel – Mueller – Nate from Kalamazoo – Melanie Stivers – Richard Toller – Alexander Polson – Earl Lozada – Jon O’Keefe – Justin McElroy – Arjun Sharma – James Johnson – Andrew Lee – Kevin Morrell – Kevin Pennyfeather – Nicholas Schechter – Emily Williams --------------------💃STRONG SONGS LIVE!🕺July 11, 2026 | Portland, ORBuy Tickets Here----LINKS-----💰 SUPPORT STRONG SONGS!Patreon | One-Time Donation🏠 HOMEPAGE👚 MERCH💬 DISCORD SERVER📬 KIRK'S NEWSLETTER🎸 KIRK'S GEAR & INSTRUMENTS🎶 KIRK'S MUSIC📷 KIRK’S SOCIAL MEDIA:Instagram | YouTube | Bluesky🎧 EVERY STRONG SONG:Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music🎨 SHOW ART:Tom Deja, Bossman Graphics

White! Whale! Holy! Grail!Strong Songs kicks off year four by getting H-E-A-V-Y, with an analysis of Mastodon's "Blood and Thunder." Pass straight past the Mellow Meadows, through the Forests and the Foothills of Rock, and see if you can reach the summit of Hard Mountain. The view from up there is amazing.Written by: MastodonAlbum: Leviathan, 2004Listen/Buy on all platforms via SongwhipOUTRO SOLOIST: Kirk HamiltonKirk is the host of Strong Songs, and he's been having a lot of fun with the guitar lately. One of these days he'll even be able to play inside chord voicings without messing up. Find him hosting this podcast, and online at kirkhamilton.com.--------------------JANUARY 2022 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONSRR Prince M. Levy-Benitez – Elliot Rosen – Ashley Hoag – Mark and Michelle – Kelsair – Rob Bosworth – Kyle Cooke – Donald Mackie – Melissa Osborne – Christopher Miller – Tim Byrne – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joshua Jarvis – Niko – Joe Laska – Laurie Acreman – Ken Hirsh – Jez – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – Simon Cammell – Guinevere Boostrom – Narelle Horn – Nathaniel Bauernfeind – Bill Rosinger – Anne Britt – Erin – Aidan Coughlan – Jeanneret Manning Family Four – Doug Paton – Robert Paul – Dave Sharpe – Sami Samhuri – AccessViolation – Ryan Torvik – Merlin Mann – Glenn – Jim Chokey – Andre Bremer – Mark Schechter – Dave FloreyJANUARY 2022 HALF-NOTE PATRONSAnupama Raghavan – Demetri Detsaridis – Carrie Schneider – Alenka Grealish – Anne Gerry – Richard Sneddon – David Judson – Julian Roleff – Melissa Gallardo – Janice Berry – Doreen Carlson – Mtwolf – David McDarby – Abigail Duffield – Rapha David – Wendy Gilchrist – Lisa Turner – Paul Wayper – Miles Forman – Dennis M. Edwards – Jeffrey Ferris – Bruno Gaeta – Kenneth Jungben – Adam Stofsky – Zak Remer – Rishi Sahay – Jason Reitman – Karen Liu – Greg Burgess – Ailie Fraser – Simon Prieto – Paul McGreal – Karen Arnold – Natalie Mistilis – Josh Singer – Phino DeLeon – Schloss Edward J., MD – Amy Lynn Thornsen – Adam W – Kelli Brockington – Stephen Rawlings – Ben Machta – Victoria Yu – Kevin Rivers – Gray Dyer – Brad Clark – Christopher – Michael J. Cunningham – Kari Kirk – Mark Boggs – Mino Capossela – Steve Paquin – Mary Schoenmaker – Sarah – David Joske – Emma Sklar – Bernard Khoo – Marc – David Blackman – Robert Heuer – Matthew Golden – Brian Meldrum – David Noah – Geraldine Butler – Richard Cambier – Madeleine Mader – Timothy Dougherty – Jason Pratt – Stewart Oak – Caroline Miller – Abbie Berg – Sam Norton – Nicole Schleicher – Doug Belew – Dermot Crowley – Achint Srivastava – Ryan Rairigh – Michael Berman – Bridget Lyons – Olivia Bishop – John Gisselquist – Elaine Martin – Kouroth – Bonnie Prinsen – Sharon Tree – Belinda McGrath-Steer – Liz Seger – Eoin de Burca – Kevin Potter – M. Shane Borders – Pete Simm – Susan Plein – Dallas Hockley – Jana J – Jason Gerry – Nathan Gouwens – Will Dwyer – Alethea Lee – Lauren Reay – Eric Prestemon – Cookies250 – Damian Brady – Angela Livingstone – Jeffy Thanadros – David Friedman – Phillip Dalton – Sarah Sulan – Diane Hughes – Kenneth Tiong – Jo Sutherland – Michael Casner – Michael York – Barb Courtney – Derek Bender – Jen Small – Lowell Meyer – Etele Illes – Stephen Tsoneff – Lorenz Schwarz – Wen – Jack Sjogren – Geoff Golden – Robyn Fraser – Pascal Rueger – Randy Souza – JC – Brendan Jubb – Clare Holberton – Diane Turner – Tom Coleman – Tijs Soete – Mark Perry – Dhu Wik – Mel – Eric Helm – Jake Roberts – Briony Leo – Bill Fuller – Steven Maron – Michael Flaherty – Jarrod Schindler – Zoe Little – Caro Field – Michael Bochner – Duncan – Naomi Watson – David Cushman – Alexander – Chris K – Gavin Doig – Sam Fenn – Tanner Morton – AJ Schuster – Jennifer Bush – David Stroud – Amanda Furlotti – Andrew Baker – Matt Gaskell – Jules Bailey – Eero Wahlstedt – Andrew Fair – Bill Thornton – Brian Amoebas – Brett Douville – Jeffrey Olson – Matt Betzel – Mueller – Nate from Kalamazoo – Melanie Stivers – Richard Toller – Alexander Polson – Earl Lozada – Jon O’Keefe – Justin McElroy – Arjun Sharma – James Johnson – Andrew Lee – Kevin Morrell – Kevin Pennyfeather – Nicholas Schechter – Emily Williams --------------------💃STRONG SONGS LIVE!🕺July 11, 2026 | Portland, ORBuy Tickets Here----LINKS-----💰 SUPPORT STRONG SONGS!Patreon | One-Time Donation🏠 HOMEPAGE👚 MERCH💬 DISCORD SERVER📬 KIRK'S NEWSLETTER🎸 KIRK'S GEAR & INSTRUMENTS🎶 KIRK'S MUSIC📷 KIRK’S SOCIAL MEDIA:Instagram | YouTube | Bluesky🎧 EVERY STRONG SONG:Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music🎨 SHOW ART:Tom Deja, Bossman Graphics

Kirk takes a look back at the many musical memories of Strong Songs Year Three.Year Three is over, and it's time to revisit the songs analyzed, the questions answered, and the interviewees interviewed. SCHEDULING NOTE: The show will be off for December, and will return for Year Four in January 2022. 2022! Feels weird to type that out.REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:"Space Oddity" by David Bowie from David Bowie, 1969"Starman" by David Bowie from The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars, 1972"HIde and Seek" by Imogen Heap from Speak For Yourself, 2005"Babylon Sisters" by Steely Dan from Gaucho, 1980"Wuthering Heights" by Kate Bush from The Kick Inside, 1978"Cameo Lover" by Kimbra from Vows, 2011"Design (feat. Kimbra)" by Cory Wong from The Striped Album, 2020"Stolen Moments" by Oliver Nelson from The Blues and the Abstract Truth, 1961"New Born" and "Micro Cuts" by Muse from Origin of Symmetry, 2001"Micro Cuts" by Muse from Origin of Symmetry: XX Anniversary RemiXX, 2021"You've Got a Friend" by Carole King from Tapestry, 1971, and performed by Donnie Hathaway by Donnie Hathaway Live!, 1972"Respect" by Otis Redding as performed by Redding and Aretha Franklin"Mad World" by Roland Orzabal as performed by Michael Andrews and Gary JulesCurt Smith's quarantine performance of "Mad World""Scenes from an Italian Restaurant" by Billy Joel from The Stranger, 1977"Fingertips" by They Might Be Giants from Apollo 18, 1992"Careless Whisper" by George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley from Make It Big, 1984"September" by Maurice White, Al McKay, and Allee Willis from The Best of Earth Wind and Fire, Vol. 1, 1978Love Will Never Do (Without You) by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, performed by Janet Jackson on Rhythm Nation 1814, 1989"Slippery People" and "Once In a Lifetime" by Talking Heads from Stop Making Sense, 1984INTERVIEWS: Carmen Staaf, Lindsay Ellis, Imogen Heap, Brian Bender, and Eric VetroOUTRO SOLOISTS: Carlos Eiene, Jeff Bean, and Eric Elligers--------------------NOVEMBER 2021 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONSElliot Rosen – Ashley Hoag – Mark and Michelle – Kelsair – Rob Bosworth – Kyle Cooke – Donald Mackie – Melissa Osborne – Christopher Miller – Tim Byrne – Jamie White – Christopher Kupski – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joshua Jarvis – Niko – Joe Laska – Laurie Acreman – Ken Hirsh – Jez – Jenness Gardner – Simon Cammell – Guinevere Boostrom – Narelle Horn – Nathaniel Bauernfeind – Bill Rosinger – Anne Britt – Erin – Aidan Coughlan – Jeanneret Manning Family Four – Doug Paton – Robert Paul – Viki Dun – Dave Sharpe – Sami Samhuri – AccessViolation – Ryan Torvik – Merlin Mann – Glenn – Jim Chokey – Andre Bremer – Mark Schechter – Dave FloreyNOVEMBER 2021 HALF-NOTE PATRONSJanice Berry – Doreen Carlson – Mtwolf – David McDarby – Abigail Duffield – Rapha David – Wendy Gilchrist – Lisa Turner – Paul Wayper – Miles Forman – Dennis M. Edwards – Jeffrey Ferris – Bruno Gaeta – Kenneth Jung – Kurt Wendelken – Adam Stofsky – Zak Remer – Rishi Sahay – Stefan Niebrügge – Jason Reitman – Karen Liu – Greg Burgess – Ailie Fraser – Simon Prieto – Breck Jones – Paul McGreal – Karen Arnold – Natalie Mistilis – Josh Singer – Phino DeLeon – Schloss Edward J., MD – Rhyanon Murray – Amy Lynn Thornsen – Adam W – Kelli Brockington – Stephen Rawlings – Ben Machta – Victoria Yu – Kevin Rivers – Gray Dyer – Brad Clark – Christopher – Michael J. Cunningham – Kari Kirk – Mark Boggs – Mino Capossela – Steve Paquin – Mary Schoenmaker – Sarah – David Joske – Emma Sklar – Bernard Khoo – Marc – David Blackman – Robert Heuer – Matthew Golden – Brian Meldrum – David Noah – Geraldine Butler – Richard Cambier – Madeleine Mader – Timothy Dougherty – Jason Pratt – Stewart Oak – Caroline Miller – Abbie Berg – Sam Norton – Nicole Schleicher – Doug Belew – Dermot Crowley – Achint Srivastava – Ryan Rairigh – Michael Berman – Bridget Lyons – Olivia Bishop – John Gisselquist – Elaine Martin – Kouroth – Sharon Tree – Belinda McGrath-Steer – Liz Seger – Eoin de Burca – Kevin Potter – M. Shane Borders – Pete Simm – Susan Plein – Jana J – Jason Gerry – Nathan Gouwens – Will Dwyer – Alethea Lee – Lauren Reay – Eric Prestemon – Cookies250 – Damian Brady – Angela Livingstone – Jeffy Thanadros – David Friedman – Phillip Dalton – Sarah Sulan – Diane Hughes – Kenneth Tiong – Jo Sutherland – Michael Casner – Michael York – Barb Courtney – Derek Bender – Jen Small – Lowell Meyer – Etele Illes – Stephen Tsoneff – Lorenz Schwarz – Becca Sample – Wen – Jack Sjogren – Benedict Pennington – Geoff Golden – Robyn Fraser – Pascal Rueger – Randy Souza – JC – Brendan Jubb – Clare Holberton – Diane Turner – Tom Coleman – Mark Perry – Dhu Wik – Mel – Eric Helm – Jake Roberts – Briony Leo – Bill Fuller – Jonathan Daniels – Michael Flaherty – Jarrod Schindler – Zoe Little – Caro Field – Michael Bochner – Duncan – Naomi Watson – David Cushman – Alexander – Chris K – Gavin Doig – Sam Fenn – Tanner Morton – AJ Schuster – Jennifer Bush – David Stroud – Amanda Furlotti – Andrew Baker – Juan Carlos Montemayor Elosua – Matt Gaskell – Jules Bailey – Eero Wahlstedt – Bill Thornton – Brian Amoebas – Brett Douville – Jeffrey Olson – Matt Betzel – Mueller – Nate from Kalamazoo – Melanie Stivers – Richard Toller – Alexander Polson – Earl Lozada – Jon O’Keefe – Justin McElroy – Arjun Sharma – James Johnson – Andrew Lee – Kevin Morrell – Kevin Pennyfeather – Nicholas Schechter – Emily Williams --------------------💃STRONG SONGS LIVE!🕺July 11, 2026 | Portland, ORBuy Tickets Here----LINKS-----💰 SUPPORT STRONG SONGS!Patreon | One-Time Donation🏠 HOMEPAGE👚 MERCH💬 DISCORD SERVER📬 KIRK'S NEWSLETTER🎸 KIRK'S GEAR & INSTRUMENTS🎶 KIRK'S MUSIC📷 KIRK’S SOCIAL MEDIA:Instagram | YouTube | Bluesky🎧 EVERY STRONG SONG:Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music🎨 SHOW ART:Tom Deja, Bossman Graphics

What do Ariana Grande, Shawn Mendes, John Legend, and Katy Perry have in common? They all study with Eric Vetro, one of the most in-demand vocal coaches in the world.On this bonus episode, Kirk sits down with Vetro to talk about his fascinating job, how to build good habits for a strong voice, and the art and discipline (and diet!) of professional singing.CHECK OUT ERIC'S PODCAST!Eric has a fantastic new podcast called Backstage Pass with Eric Vetro, where he sits down with his superstar students to talk about their lives and careers, their singing practice, and the various vocal hurdles they've overcome. It's a really cool show, and definitely worth checking out.If you want to check out Eric's (frankly ridiculous) client list, visit his website. ERIC'S MUSIC PICKS"Imagine" by Ariana Grande from Thank U, Next, 2019"Perfectly Wrong" by Shawn Mendes as performed live in 2018 on The Late Late Show with James Corden"All of Me" by John Legend from Love in the Future, 2013--------------------NOVEMBER 2021 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONSElliot Rosen – Ashley Hoag – Mark and Michelle – Kelsair – Rob Bosworth – Kyle Cooke – Donald Mackie – Melissa Osborne – Christopher Miller – Tim Byrne – Jamie White – Christopher Kupski – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joshua Jarvis – Niko – Joe Laska – Laurie Acreman – Ken Hirsh – Jez – Jenness Gardner – Simon Cammell – Guinevere Boostrom – Narelle Horn – Nathaniel Bauernfeind – Bill Rosinger – Anne Britt – Erin – Aidan Coughlan – Jeanneret Manning Family Four – Doug Paton – Robert Paul – Viki Dun – Dave Sharpe – Sami Samhuri – AccessViolation – Ryan Torvik – Merlin Mann – Glenn – Jim Chokey – Andre Bremer – Mark Schechter – Dave FloreyNOVEMBER 2021 HALF-NOTE PATRONSJanice Berry – Doreen Carlson – Mtwolf – David McDarby – Abigail Duffield – Rapha David – Wendy Gilchrist – Lisa Turner – Paul Wayper – Miles Forman – Dennis M. Edwards – Jeffrey Ferris – Bruno Gaeta – Kenneth Jung – Kurt Wendelken – Adam Stofsky – Zak Remer – Rishi Sahay – Stefan Niebrügge – Jason Reitman – Karen Liu – Greg Burgess – Ailie Fraser – Simon Prieto – Breck Jones – Paul McGreal – Karen Arnold – Natalie Mistilis – Josh Singer – Phino DeLeon – Schloss Edward J., MD – Rhyanon Murray – Amy Lynn Thornsen – Adam W – Kelli Brockington – Stephen Rawlings – Ben Machta – Victoria Yu – Kevin Rivers – Gray Dyer – Brad Clark – Christopher – Michael J. Cunningham – Kari Kirk – Mark Boggs – Mino Capossela – Steve Paquin – Mary Schoenmaker – Sarah – David Joske – Emma Sklar – Bernard Khoo – Marc – David Blackman – Robert Heuer – Matthew Golden – Brian Meldrum – David Noah – Geraldine Butler – Richard Cambier – Madeleine Mader – Timothy Dougherty – Jason Pratt – Stewart Oak – Caroline Miller – Abbie Berg – Sam Norton – Nicole Schleicher – Doug Belew – Dermot Crowley – Achint Srivastava – Ryan Rairigh – Michael Berman – Bridget Lyons – Olivia Bishop – John Gisselquist – Elaine Martin – Kouroth – Sharon Tree – Belinda McGrath-Steer – Liz Seger – Eoin de Burca – Kevin Potter – M. Shane Borders – Pete Simm – Susan Plein – Jana J – Jason Gerry – Nathan Gouwens – Will Dwyer – Alethea Lee – Lauren Reay – Eric Prestemon – Cookies250 – Damian Brady – Angela Livingstone – Jeffy Thanadros – David Friedman – Phillip Dalton – Sarah Sulan – Diane Hughes – Kenneth Tiong – Jo Sutherland – Michael Casner – Michael York – Barb Courtney – Derek Bender – Jen Small – Lowell Meyer – Etele Illes – Stephen Tsoneff – Lorenz Schwarz – Becca Sample – Wen – Jack Sjogren – Benedict Pennington – Geoff Golden – Robyn Fraser – Pascal Rueger – Randy Souza – JC – Brendan Jubb – Clare Holberton – Diane Turner – Tom Coleman – Mark Perry – Dhu Wik – Mel – Eric Helm – Jake Roberts – Briony Leo – Bill Fuller – Jonathan Daniels – Michael Flaherty – Jarrod Schindler – Zoe Little – Caro Field – Michael Bochner – Duncan – Naomi Watson – David Cushman – Alexander – Chris K – Gavin Doig – Sam Fenn – Tanner Morton – AJ Schuster – Jennifer Bush – David Stroud – Amanda Furlotti – Andrew Baker – Juan Carlos Montemayor Elosua – Matt Gaskell – Jules Bailey – Eero Wahlstedt – Bill Thornton – Brian Amoebas – Brett Douville – Jeffrey Olson – Matt Betzel – Mueller – Nate from Kalamazoo – Melanie Stivers – Richard Toller – Alexander Polson – Earl Lozada – Jon O’Keefe – Justin McElroy – Arjun Sharma – James Johnson – Andrew Lee – Kevin Morrell – Kevin Pennyfeather – Nicholas Schechter – Emily Williams --------------------💃STRONG SONGS LIVE!🕺July 11, 2026 | Portland, ORBuy Tickets Here----LINKS-----💰 SUPPORT STRONG SONGS!Patreon | One-Time Donation🏠 HOMEPAGE👚 MERCH💬 DISCORD SERVER📬 KIRK'S NEWSLETTER🎸 KIRK'S GEAR & INSTRUMENTS🎶 KIRK'S MUSIC📷 KIRK’S SOCIAL MEDIA:Instagram | YouTube | Bluesky🎧 EVERY STRONG SONG:Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music🎨 SHOW ART:Tom Deja, Bossman Graphics

What is this, a film podcast?? It's time for something a little different, as Kirk puts down his record player and climbs onstage for Jonathan Demme and Talking Heads' classic 1984 concert film Stop Making Sense. It's a tour through the first hour of the film, from "Heaven" to "Burning Down the House" to "Once in a Lifetime," with some quick stops along the way.Songs by: Talking Heads (David Byrne, Tina Weymouth, Chris Frantz, and Jerry Harrison)Featuring: Steve Scales (Percussion), Lynn Mabry and Ednah Holt (Vocals), Alex Weir (Guitar/Vocals), and Bernie Worrell (Keys)Film directed by: Jonathan DemmeREFERENCED/DISCUSSED:The first 12 songs from Stop Making Sense, 1984"Once in a Lifetime" by Talking Heads & Brian Eno“Heaven” by David Byrne and Jerry Harrison from Fear of Music, 1979“Slippery People” and "Burning Down the House" by David Byrne from Speaking in Tongues, 1983A 2020 American Songwriter interview with Edna Holt and Lynn Mabry“Flash Light” by Parliament from Funkentelechy vs. The Placebo Syndrome, 1977“You Make Me Wanna Wiggle” by The Brothers Johnson from Light Up the Night, 1980The documentary 20 Feet From StardomOUTRO SOLOIST: Carlos "Insaneintherainmusic" EieineCarlos Eienie is a prolific multi-instrumentalist and YouTube creator who's done some extremely fun jazz arrangements of great video game music, among other things. You can find him on most social media as some variant of @insaneintherainmusic, and on his website at https://www.insaneintherainmusic.com/.--------------------NOVEMBER 2021 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONSElliot Rosen – Ashley Hoag – Mark and Michelle – Kelsair – Rob Bosworth – Kyle Cooke – Donald Mackie – Melissa Osborne – Christopher Miller – Tim Byrne – Jamie White – Christopher Kupski – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joshua Jarvis – Niko – Joe Laska – Laurie Acreman – Ken Hirsh – Jez – Jenness Gardner – Simon Cammell – Guinevere Boostrom – Narelle Horn – Nathaniel Bauernfeind – Bill Rosinger – Anne Britt – Erin – Aidan Coughlan – Jeanneret Manning Family Four – Doug Paton – Robert Paul – Viki Dun – Dave Sharpe – Sami Samhuri – AccessViolation – Ryan Torvik – Merlin Mann – Glenn – Jim Chokey – Andre Bremer – Mark Schechter – Dave FloreyNOVEMBER 2021 HALF-NOTE PATRONSJanice Berry – Doreen Carlson – Mtwolf – David McDarby – Abigail Duffield – Rapha David – Wendy Gilchrist – Lisa Turner – Paul Wayper – Miles Forman – Dennis M. Edwards – Jeffrey Ferris – Bruno Gaeta – Kenneth Jung – Kurt Wendelken – Adam Stofsky – Zak Remer – Rishi Sahay – Stefan Niebrügge – Jason Reitman – Karen Liu – Greg Burgess – Ailie Fraser – Simon Prieto – Breck Jones – Paul McGreal – Karen Arnold – Natalie Mistilis – Josh Singer – Phino DeLeon – Schloss Edward J., MD – Rhyanon Murray – Amy Lynn Thornsen – Adam W – Kelli Brockington – Stephen Rawlings – Ben Machta – Victoria Yu – Kevin Rivers – Gray Dyer – Brad Clark – Christopher – Michael J. Cunningham – Kari Kirk – Mark Boggs – Mino Capossela – Steve Paquin – Mary Schoenmaker – Sarah – David Joske – Emma Sklar – Bernard Khoo – Marc – David Blackman – Robert Heuer – Matthew Golden – Brian Meldrum – David Noah – Geraldine Butler – Richard Cambier – Madeleine Mader – Timothy Dougherty – Jason Pratt – Stewart Oak – Caroline Miller – Abbie Berg – Sam Norton – Nicole Schleicher – Doug Belew – Dermot Crowley – Achint Srivastava – Ryan Rairigh – Michael Berman – Bridget Lyons – Olivia Bishop – John Gisselquist – Elaine Martin – Kouroth – Sharon Tree – Belinda McGrath-Steer – Liz Seger – Eoin de Burca – Kevin Potter – M. Shane Borders – Pete Simm – Susan Plein – Jana J – Jason Gerry – Nathan Gouwens – Will Dwyer – Alethea Lee – Lauren Reay – Eric Prestemon – Cookies250 – Damian Brady – Angela Livingstone – Jeffy Thanadros – David Friedman – Phillip Dalton – Sarah Sulan – Diane Hughes – Kenneth Tiong – Jo Sutherland – Michael Casner – Michael York – Barb Courtney – Derek Bender – Jen Small – Lowell Meyer – Etele Illes – Stephen Tsoneff – Lorenz Schwarz – Becca Sample – Wen – Jack Sjogren – Benedict Pennington – Geoff Golden – Robyn Fraser – Pascal Rueger – Randy Souza – JC – Brendan Jubb – Clare Holberton – Diane Turner – Tom Coleman – Mark Perry – Dhu Wik – Mel – Eric Helm – Jake Roberts – Briony Leo – Bill Fuller – Jonathan Daniels – Michael Flaherty – Jarrod Schindler – Zoe Little – Caro Field – Michael Bochner – Duncan – Naomi Watson – David Cushman – Alexander – Chris K – Gavin Doig – Sam Fenn – Tanner Morton – AJ Schuster – Jennifer Bush – David Stroud – Amanda Furlotti – Andrew Baker – Juan Carlos Montemayor Elosua – Matt Gaskell – Jules Bailey – Eero Wahlstedt – Bill Thornton – Brian Amoebas – Brett Douville – Jeffrey Olson – Matt Betzel – Mueller – Nate from Kalamazoo – Melanie Stivers – Richard Toller – Alexander Polson – Earl Lozada – Jon O’Keefe – Justin McElroy – Arjun Sharma – James Johnson – Andrew Lee – Kevin Morrell – Kevin Pennyfeather – Nicholas Schechter – Emily Williams --------------------💃STRONG SONGS LIVE!🕺July 11, 2026 | Portland, ORBuy Tickets Here----LINKS-----💰 SUPPORT STRONG SONGS!Patreon | One-Time Donation🏠 HOMEPAGE👚 MERCH💬 DISCORD SERVER📬 KIRK'S NEWSLETTER🎸 KIRK'S GEAR & INSTRUMENTS🎶 KIRK'S MUSIC📷 KIRK’S SOCIAL MEDIA:Instagram | YouTube | Bluesky🎧 EVERY STRONG SONG:Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music🎨 SHOW ART:Tom Deja, Bossman Graphics

Polish your reading glasses and pour a cup of tea - it's time for a Strong Songs mailbag!On the last Q&A episode of year three, Kirk answers questions on Metroid meter, mystery Bond instruments, (more) Tuvan throat singing, how to count odd meters like The Terminator theme, actors who pretend to play instruments, and how to define a musical "work," even if the work in question is improvised.REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:“Wishing” by John Frusciante from The Will to Death, 2004“Super Metroid Theme” by Kenji Yamamoto from Super Metroid, 1994“Kwolok’s Malaise” by Gareth Coker from Ori and the Will of the Wisps, 2020Tuvan-style throat singing from Ghost of Tsushima: Iki Island, 2021“Alash Khem (Alash River Song)” performed by Congar Ol’Ondar w/ Béla Fleck and the Flecktones on Live at the Quick, 2002Aboriginal Australian musician Lewis Burns performing traditional Digiridoo“Main Title from The Terminator” by Brad Fiedel, 1984"Blue Rondo a la Turk" by Dave Brubeck from Time Out, 1959“Spectre” by Radiohead, 2015“You Only Live Twice” by John Barry and Leslie Bricusse, performed by Nancy Sinatra for You Only Live Twice, 1967“Sonata for Oboe and continuo in c minor, RV53” by Antonio Vivaldi, performed by In-Gun Hwang“Bassoon Concerto in F Major, Op. 75” by Carl Maria von Weber, performed by Michele BowenAn NPR interview with Wendell Pierce about his role as trombonist Antoine Batiste on TremeAn excerpt from the climactic drum solo from WhiplashThe jam session scene from episode one of Kids on the SlopeThe ridiculously well animated jazz band from Yakuza 0The final guitar showdown from Crossroads feat. Steve VaiThe episode of 99% Invisible about The Real BookA collection of alphabetical tune excerpts from The Real Book, Vol. 1Audio from “Reset,” the third episode of James Acaster’s Netflix special Repertoire“Space Oddity” by David Bowie from David Bowie, 1969The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy entry on The Philosophy of Music:Jimi Hendrix’s performance of Frances Scott Key’s “The Star Spangled Banner” at Woodstock, 1969The excellent book Harmonic Experience: Tonal Harmony from Its Natural Origins to Its Modern Expression by W.A. MathieuOUTRO SOLOIST: Jeff BeanJeff Bean is a poet and a professor of English and creative writing at Central Michigan University. He also went to Kirk's high school, where he discovered his love of jazz guitar. You can read his work at his website.KIRK'S SUGGESTED LIST OF REAL BOOK TUNES TO LEARN*AA Child is BornA Fine RomanceA Night in TunisiaAfro BlueAfternoon in ParisAlice in WonderlandAll BluesAll of MeAll of YouAll the Things You AreAlone TogetherAnthropologyApril in ParisAutumn in New YorkAutumn LeavesB
Beautiful LoveBewitchedBlack OrpheusBlue BossaBlue In GreenBlue MonkBlues for AliceBlue TrainBody and SoulCChega De SaudadeChelsea BridgeConfirmationCorcovadoCottontail
DDarn that DreamDays of Wine and RosesDesafinadoDolphin DanceDon’t Get Around Much AnymoreEEasy to LoveFFootprintsFourFreddie FreeloaderGGiant StepsGirl from IpanemaGod Bless the ChildGoodbye Porkpie HatGroovin HighHHave You Met Miss JonesHere’s That Rainy DayHow High the MoonHow InsensitiveII Can’t Get StartedI could Write a BookI Let a Song Go Out of my HeartI Love YouI Mean YouImpressionsIn a Mellow ToneIn a Sentimental MoodIn Your Own Sweet WayInvitationIt Don’t Mean a ThingJJoy Spring (if you’re feeling adventurous)Just FriendsK
There are no K songs in the Real Book! I take this personally!LLady BirdLike Someone in LoveLullaby of BirdlandLush Life (there will one day be an episode about this masterpiece)MMaiden VoyageMistyMood IndigoMr. P.C.My Favorite ThingsMy Foolish HeartMy Funny ValentineMy One and Only LoveNNight and DayNight has a Thousand EyesOOleoOnce I LovedOne Note SambaOut of NowherePPensatia (a difficult but beautiful tune)Pent-Up HousePrelude to a KissRRecordame‘Round MidnightSSatin DollScrapple from the AppleSeven Steps to HeavenThe Shadow of Your SmileSidewinderSomeday My Prince Will ComeSong For My FatherSophisticated LadySo WhatStella By StarlightStolen MomentsStompin’ at the SavoyStraight, No ChaserSugarTTake FiveTake the “A” TrainThere Is no Greater LoveThere Will Never Be Another YouThey Can’t Take That Away From MeTristeTurn Out The StarsUUp Jumped SpringWWaltz For DebbyWell You Needn’tWhen I Fall In LoveWindowsYYesterdaysYou Don’t Know What Love Is*There are many other great tunes in the Real Book, this is just a selection to start with if you're learning repertoire. Also, feel free to skip any of these, especially the more beboppy tunes, if they're too tricky. Or if you don't like them. Or for whatever other reason. Good luck! ~K--------------------OCTOBER 2021 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONSAshley Hoag – Mark and Michelle – Kelsair – Rob Bosworth – Kyle Cooke – Donald Mackie – Melissa Osborne – Christopher Miller – Tim Byrne – Jamie White – Christopher Kupski – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joshua Jarvis – Niko – Joe Laska – Laurie Acreman – Ken Hirsh – Jez – Jenness Gardner – Simon Cammell – Guinevere Boostrom – Narelle Horn – Nathaniel Bauernfeind – Bill Rosinger – Anne Britt – David Zahm – Erin – Aidan Coughlan – Jeanneret Manning Family Four – Doug Paton – Robert Paul – Viki Dun – Dave Sharpe – Christer Lindqvist – Sami Samhuri – AccessViolation – Ryan Torvik – Merlin Mann – Glenn – Jim Chokey – Andre Bremer – Mark Schechter – Dave Florey – Dan ApczynskiOCTOBER 2021 HALF-NOTE PATRONSPaul Wayper – Miles Forman – Dennis M. Edwards – Jeffrey Ferris – Bruno Gaeta – Kenneth Jung – Kurt Wendelken – Adam Stofsky – Zak Remer – Rishi Sahay – Stefan Niebrügge – Jason Reitman – Karen Liu – Greg Burgess – Ailie Fraser – Simon Prieto – Breck Jones – Paul McGreal – Karen Arnold – Natalie Mistilis – Josh Singer – Phino DeLeon – Schloss Edward J., MD – Rhyanon Murray – Amy Lynn Thornsen – Adam W – Kelli Brockington – Stephen Rawlings – Ben Machta – Victoria Yu – Kevin Rivers – Gray Dyer – Brad Clark – Christopher – Michael J. Cunningham – Kari Kirk – Mark Boggs – Mino Capossela – Steve Paquin – Mary Schoenmaker – Sarah – David Joske – Emma Sklar – Bernard Khoo – Marc – Robert Heuer – Matthew Golden – Brian Meldrum – David Noah – Geraldine Butler – Richard Cambier – Madeleine Mader – Fernando Rodriguez – Timothy Dougherty – Jason Pratt – Stewart Oak – Caroline Miller – Abbie Berg – Sam Norton – Nicole Schleicher – Doug Belew – Dermot Crowley – Achint Srivastava – Ryan Rairigh – Michael Berman – Bridget Lyons – Olivia Bishop – John Gisselquist – Elaine Martin – Kouroth – Sharon Tree – Belinda McGrath-Steer – Liz Seger – Eoin de Burca – Kevin Potter – M. Shane Borders – Pete Simm – Susan Plein – Dallas Hockley – Jana J – Jason Gerry – Nathan Gouwens – Will Dwyer – Alethea Lee – Lauren Reay – Eric Prestemon – Cookies250 – Spencer Shirley – Damian Brady – Angela Livingstone – Jeffy Thanadros – David Friedman – Phillip Dalton – Sarah Sulan – Diane Hughes – Kenneth Tiong – Jo Sutherland – Michael Casner – Michael York – Barb Courtney – Derek Bender – Jen Small – Lowell Meyer – Etele Illes – Stephen Tsoneff – Lorenz Schwarz – Becca Sample – Wen – Jack Sjogren – Benedict Pennington – Geoff Golden – Robyn Fraser – Alexander Geddes – Pascal Rueger – Randy Souza – JC – Brendan Jubb – Clare Holberton – Diane Turner – Tom Coleman – Mark Perry – Dhu Wik – Mel – Eric Helm – Jake Roberts – Briony Leo – Bill Fuller – Jonathan Daniels – Michael Flaherty – Jarrod Schindler – Zoe Little – Caro Field – Michael Bochner – Duncan – Naomi Watson – David Cushman – Alexander – Jeremy Dawson – Chris K – Gavin Doig – Sam Fenn – Tanner Morton – AJ Schuster – Jennifer Bush – David Stroud – Amanda Furlotti – Andrew Baker – Juan Carlos Montemayor Elosua – Matt Gaskell – Jules Bailey – Eero Wahlstedt – Bill Thornton – Brian Amoebas – Brett Douville – Jeffrey Olson – Matt Betzel – Mueller – Nate from Kalamazoo – Melanie Stivers – Richard Toller – Alexander Polson – Earl Lozada – Jon O’Keefe – Justin McElroy – Arjun Sharma – James Johnson – Andrew Lee – Kevin Morrell – Kevin Pennyfeather – Nicholas Schechter – Emily Williams --------------------💃STRONG SONGS LIVE!🕺July 11, 2026 | Portland, ORBuy Tickets Here----LINKS-----💰 SUPPORT STRONG SONGS!Patreon | One-Time Donation🏠 HOMEPAGE👚 MERCH💬 DISCORD SERVER📬 KIRK'S NEWSLETTER🎸 KIRK'S GEAR & INSTRUMENTS🎶 KIRK'S MUSIC📷 KIRK’S SOCIAL MEDIA:Instagram | YouTube | Bluesky🎧 EVERY STRONG SONG:Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music🎨 SHOW ART:Tom Deja, Bossman Graphics

They said it couldn't last, so we had to prove them wrong... by making an episode of Strong Songs all about Janet Jackson, Jimmy Jam, and Terry Lewis.It's time to go back to the late 80s, when New Jack Swing was all the rage and a budding superstar named Janet sat down with a pair of Minneapolis producers named Jimmy and Terry  to produce some of the most groundbreaking pop music of the decade. This episode takes a look at "Love Will Never Do (Without You)," one of the most complex of their collaborations, and a tune with as many stylistic left-turns as it has orchestra hits.Written by: James Harris III and Terry LewisProduced by: Janet Jackson, Jam & LewisAlbum: Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814, 1989Listen/Buy via Album.LinkALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:“Casey Kasem’s American Top 40 intro from the 1980s, via YouTube“Kiss” by Prince from Parade, 1986“Walking on Broken Glass” by Annie Lennox from Diva, 1992“Like a Prayer” by Madonna from Like a Prayer, 1989“Control,” “Nasty,” and “When I Think of You” by Janet Jackson/Jam & Lewis from Control, 1986"Rhythm Nation" and "Miss You Much" from Rhythm Nation 1814, 1989Emu SP-1200 Beatmaking demonstration by Chief Rugged on YouTubeDiscussion of New Jack Swing, which you can learn more about here“Poison” by Bel Biv DeVoe from Poison, 1990“Alice, I Want You Just For Me” by Full Force, produced by Teddy Riley on Full Force, 1985Estelle Caswell’s Vox Earworm video about the Orchestra Hit“The Chain” by Fleetwood Mac from Rumors, 1977OUTRO SOLOIST: Dan NervoThis episode's outro soloist is the fantastic Dan Nervo. Dan plays guitar in the San Francisco Bay Area in bands like Neon Velvet, and also teaches private guitar lessons. Hit him up if you want to get good at guitar: https://www.facebook.com/DanNervoGuitarLessons/--------------------OCTOBER 2021 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONSAshley Hoag – Mark and Michelle – Kelsair – Rob Bosworth – Kyle Cooke – Donald Mackie – Melissa Osborne – Christopher Miller – Tim Byrne – Jamie White – Christopher Kupski – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joshua Jarvis – Niko – Joe Laska – Laurie Acreman – Ken Hirsh – Jez – Jenness Gardner – Simon Cammell – Guinevere Boostrom – Narelle Horn – Nathaniel Bauernfeind – Bill Rosinger – Anne Britt – David Zahm – Erin – Aidan Coughlan – Jeanneret Manning Family Four – Doug Paton – Robert Paul – Viki Dun – Dave Sharpe – Christer Lindqvist – Sami Samhuri – AccessViolation – Ryan Torvik – Merlin Mann – Glenn – Jim Chokey – Andre Bremer – Mark Schechter – Dave Florey – Dan ApczynskiOCTOBER 2021 HALF-NOTE PATRONSPaul Wayper – Miles Forman – Dennis M. Edwards – Jeffrey Ferris – Bruno Gaeta – Kenneth Jung – Kurt Wendelken – Adam Stofsky – Zak Remer – Rishi Sahay – Stefan Niebrügge – Jason Reitman – Karen Liu – Greg Burgess – Ailie Fraser – Simon Prieto – Breck Jones – Paul McGreal – Karen Arnold – Natalie Mistilis – Josh Singer – Phino DeLeon – Schloss Edward J., MD – Rhyanon Murray – Amy Lynn Thornsen – Adam W – Kelli Brockington – Stephen Rawlings – Ben Machta – Victoria Yu – Kevin Rivers – Gray Dyer – Brad Clark – Christopher – Michael J. Cunningham – Kari Kirk – Mark Boggs – Mino Capossela – Steve Paquin – Mary Schoenmaker – Sarah – David Joske – Emma Sklar – Bernard Khoo – Marc – Robert Heuer – Matthew Golden – Brian Meldrum – David Noah – Geraldine Butler – Richard Cambier – Madeleine Mader – Fernando Rodriguez – Timothy Dougherty – Jason Pratt – Stewart Oak – Caroline Miller – Abbie Berg – Sam Norton – Nicole Schleicher – Doug Belew – Dermot Crowley – Achint Srivastava – Ryan Rairigh – Michael Berman – Bridget Lyons – Olivia Bishop – John Gisselquist – Elaine Martin – Kouroth – Sharon Tree – Belinda McGrath-Steer – Liz Seger – Eoin de Burca – Kevin Potter – M. Shane Borders – Pete Simm – Susan Plein – Dallas Hockley – Jana J – Jason Gerry – Nathan Gouwens – Will Dwyer – Alethea Lee – Lauren Reay – Eric Prestemon – Cookies250 – Spencer Shirley – Damian Brady – Angela Livingstone – Jeffy Thanadros – David Friedman – Phillip Dalton – Sarah Sulan – Diane Hughes – Kenneth Tiong – Jo Sutherland – Michael Casner – Michael York – Barb Courtney – Derek Bender – Jen Small – Lowell Meyer – Etele Illes – Stephen Tsoneff – Lorenz Schwarz – Becca Sample – Wen – Jack Sjogren – Benedict Pennington – Geoff Golden – Robyn Fraser – Alexander Geddes – Pascal Rueger – Randy Souza – JC – Brendan Jubb – Clare Holberton – Diane Turner – Tom Coleman – Mark Perry – Dhu Wik – Mel – Eric Helm – Jake Roberts – Briony Leo – Bill Fuller – Jonathan Daniels – Michael Flaherty – Jarrod Schindler – Zoe Little – Caro Field – Michael Bochner – Duncan – Naomi Watson – David Cushman – Alexander – Jeremy Dawson – Chris K – Gavin Doig – Sam Fenn – Tanner Morton – AJ Schuster – Jennifer Bush – David Stroud – Amanda Furlotti – Andrew Baker – Juan Carlos Montemayor Elosua – Matt Gaskell – Jules Bailey – Eero Wahlstedt – Bill Thornton – Brian Amoebas – Brett Douville – Jeffrey Olson – Matt Betzel – Mueller – Nate from Kalamazoo – Melanie Stivers – Richard Toller – Alexander Polson – Earl Lozada – Jon O’Keefe – Justin McElroy – Arjun Sharma – James Johnson – Andrew Lee – Kevin Morrell – Kevin Pennyfeather – Nicholas Schechter – Emily Williams --------------------💃STRONG SONGS LIVE!🕺July 11, 2026 | Portland, ORBuy Tickets Here----LINKS-----💰 SUPPORT STRONG SONGS!Patreon | One-Time Donation🏠 HOMEPAGE👚 MERCH💬 DISCORD SERVER📬 KIRK'S NEWSLETTER🎸 KIRK'S GEAR & INSTRUMENTS🎶 KIRK'S MUSIC📷 KIRK’S SOCIAL MEDIA:Instagram | YouTube | Bluesky🎧 EVERY STRONG SONG:Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music🎨 SHOW ART:Tom Deja, Bossman Graphics

Ba de ya! Say that you remember! Ba de ya! Dancing in September! Ba de  yah! Musical analysiiiis!It's finally time for Strong Songs to take on one of the strongest bands of all, the great Earth, Wind & Fire. In honor of September 21, Kirk does a deep dive on EWF's timeless tribute to the end of summertime - those layered grooves, those funky bass parts, and those glossy, effortless vocals.Written by: Maurice White, Al McKay & Alee WillisProduced by: Maurice WhiteAlbum: The Best of Earth, Wind & Fire Vol. 1, 1978Listen/Buy via Album.LinkALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:“Shining Star” and “Way of the World” by Earth, Wind & Fire from That’s The Way of the World, 1975“Serpentine Fire” by Earth, Wind & Fire from All N’ All, 1977“In The Stone” by EWF from I Am, 1979“Easy Lover” by Phillip Bailey, Phil Collins and Nathan East, 1990“Neutron Dance” by Alee Willis performed by the Pointer Sisters on Break Out, 1984“Celebration” by Kool & The Gang, 1980“Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” by Elton John and Bernie Taupin from Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, 1973OUTRO SOLOIST: Erik ElligersErik is a Connecticut-based multi-instrumentalist and music educator. He plays saxophone with the New London Big Band and sings and plays guitar for the fabulous band Goodnight Blue Moon - check them out, you won't regret it: https://www.goodnightbluemoon.com/--------------------SEPTEMBER 2021 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONSRob Bosworth – Josh Pearson – Kyle Cooke – Donald Mackie – Melissa Osborne – Christopher Miller – Tim Byrne – Jamie White – Christopher Kupski – Christopher McConnell – Joshua Jarvis – Niko – Joe Laska – Laurie Acreman – Ken Hirsh – Jez – Jenness Gardner – Simon Cammell – Guinevere Boostrom – Narelle Horn – Nathaniel Bauernfeind – Bill Rosinger – Anne Britt – David Zahm – Erin – Aidan Coughlan – Jeanneret Manning Family Four – Doug Paton – Robert Paul – Viki Dun – Dave Sharpe – Christer Lindqvist – Sami Samhuri – AccessViolation – Ryan Torvik – Merlin Mann – Glenn – Jim Chokey – Andre Bremer – Mark Schechter – Dave Florey – Dan ApczynskiSEPTEMBER 2021 HALF-NOTE PATRONSKurt Wendelken – Adam Stofsky – Zak Remer – Rishi Sahay – Stefan Niebrügge – Jason Reitman – Karen Liu – Greg Burgess – Ailie Fraser – Simon Prieto – Breck Jones – Paul McGreal – Karen Arnold – Natalie Mistilis – Josh Singer – Phino DeLeon – Schloss Edward J., MD – Rhyanon Murray – Amy Lynn Thornsen – Adam W – Kelli Brockington – Stephen Rawlings – Ben Machta – Victoria Yu – Kevin Rivers – Gray Dyer – Brad Clark – Christopher – Michael J. Cunningham – Kari Kirk – Mark Boggs – Mino Capossela – Steve Paquin – Mary Schoenmaker – Sarah – David Joske – Emma Sklar – Bernard Khoo – Marc – Robert Heuer – Matthew Golden – Brian Meldrum – David Noah – Geraldine Butler – Richard Cambier – Madeleine Mader – Fernando Rodriguez – Timothy Dougherty – Jason Pratt – Stewart Oak – Caroline Miller – Abbie Berg – Sam Norton – Nicole Schleicher – Doug Belew – Dermot Crowley – Achint Srivastava – Ryan Rairigh – Michael Berman – Stephen Matthews – Bridget Lyons – Olivia Bishop – John Gisselquist – Elaine Martin – Kouroth – Sharon Tree – Belinda McGrath-Steer – Liz Seger – Eoin de Burca – Kevin Potter – M. Shane Borders – Pete Simm – Dallas Hockley – Jana J – Jason Gerry – Rich Roskopf – Melissa Gallo – Nathan Gouwens – Will Dwyer – Alethea Lee – Lauren Reay – Eric Prestemon – Cookies250 – Spencer Shirley – Damian Brady – Angela Livingstone – Jeffrey C. Yarnell – David Friedman – Phillip Dalton – Sarah Sulan – Diane Hughes – Kenneth Tiong – Jo Sutherland – Michael Casner – Michael York – Barb Courtney – Derek Bender – Jen Small – Lowell Meyer – Etele Illes – Stephen Tsoneff – Lorenz Schwarz – Becca Sample – Wen – Jack Sjogren – Benedict Pennington – Geoff Golden – Robyn Fraser – Alexander Geddes – Pascal Rueger – Randy Souza – JC – Brendan Jubb – Clare Holberton – Diane Turner – Tom Coleman – Mark Perry – Dhu Wik – Mel – Eric Helm – Jake Roberts – Briony Leo – Bill Fuller – Jonathan Daniels – Michael Flaherty – Jarrod Schindler – Zoe Little – Caro Field – Michael Bochner – Duncan – David Cushman – Alexander – Jeremy Dawson – Chris K – Gavin Doig – Sam Fenn – Tanner Morton – AJ Schuster – Jennifer Bush – David Stroud – Amanda Furlotti – Andrew Baker – Juan Carlos Montemayor Elosua – Matt Gaskell – Jules Bailey – Eero Wahlstedt – Bill Thornton – Brian Amoebas – Brett Douville – Jeffrey Olson – Matt Betzel – Mueller – Nate from Kalamazoo – Melanie Stivers – Richard Toller – Alexander Polson – Earl Lozada – Jon O’Keefe – Justin McElroy – Arjun Sharma – James Johnson – Andrew Lee – Kevin Morrell – Kevin Pennyfeather – Nicholas Schechter – Emily Williams --------------------💃STRONG SONGS LIVE!🕺July 11, 2026 | Portland, ORBuy Tickets Here----LINKS-----💰 SUPPORT STRONG SONGS!Patreon | One-Time Donation🏠 HOMEPAGE👚 MERCH💬 DISCORD SERVER📬 KIRK'S NEWSLETTER🎸 KIRK'S GEAR & INSTRUMENTS🎶 KIRK'S MUSIC📷 KIRK’S SOCIAL MEDIA:Instagram | YouTube | Bluesky🎧 EVERY STRONG SONG:Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music🎨 SHOW ART:Tom Deja, Bossman Graphics

Well, look at that - it's a mailbag episode! Kirk answers your questions on Bo Diddley, Minecraft, The Supremes, chorus guitar, XTC, Parquet Courts, and the mystery of the "Careless Whisper" sax solo.REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:“Wake Up” by XTC from The Big Express, 1984“Waterfall” and “Don’t Stop” by The Stone Roses from The Stone Roses, 1989“The Mind Electric” by Miracle Musical from Hawaii: Part II, 201“Minecraft” by C418, 2009The Minecraft episode of Twenty Thousand Hertz: https://www.20k.org/episodes/minecraft“Briony” by Dario Marianelli from Atonement, 2007“The Mayor” by Kirk Hamilton from The Exited Door, 2009“Bo Diddley” by Bo Diddley, 1962“You Can’t Hurry Love” by The Supremes written by Holland-Dozier-Holland (and backed by The Funk Brothers), 1966“Wake Up” by Arcade Fire from Funeral, 2004“In The Heights” by Lin-Manuel Miranda from In The Heights, 2008 and the 2021 film“Chinese Satellite” by Phoebe Bridger from Punisher, 2020“Good 4 U” by Olivia Rodrigo from Sour, 2021“Time After Time” by Cindi Lauper and Rob Hyman from She’s So Unusual, 1983“Wide Awake” by Parquet Courts from Wide Awake, 2018“Careless Whisper” by George Michael from Wham!’s 1984 record Make It BigDan Forshaw’s video about Steve Gregory’s “Careless Whisper” sax solo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UvoRqBDwsIOUTRO SOLOIST: Luke PriceThis episode's outro soloist is Portland fiddle player Luke Price. When he's not working as a side man in a variety of killer bands, Luke joins his wife Rachael to form the excellent songwriting duo DEAN!. You can follow them on Instagram and listen to some of their stuff on their website, wearedean.com.--------------------SEPTEMBER 2021 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONSRob Bosworth - Josh Pearson - Kyle Cooke - Donald Mackie - Melissa Osborne - Christopher Miller - Tim Byrne - Jamie White - Christopher Kupski - Christopher McConnell - Joshua Jarvis - Niko - Joe Laska - Laurie Acreman - Ken Hirsh - Jez - Jenness Gardner - Simon Cammell - Guinevere Boostrom - Narelle Horn - Nathaniel Bauernfeind - Bill Rosinger - Anne Britt - David Zahm - Erin - Aidan Coughlan - Jeanneret - Manning Family Four - Doug Paton - Robert Paul - Viki Dun - Dave Sharpe - Christer Lindqvist - Sami Samhuri - AccessViolation - Ryan Torvik - Merlin Mann - Glenn - Jim Chokey - Andre Bremer - Mark Schechter - Dave Florey - Dan ApczynskiSEPTEMBER 2021 HALF-NOTE PATRONSKurt Wendelken - Adam Stofsky - Zak Remer - Rishi Sahay - Stefan Niebrügge - Jason Reitman - Karen Liu - Greg Burgess - Ailie Fraser - Simon Prieto - Breck Jones - Paul McGreal - Karen Arnold - Natalie Mistilis - Josh Singer - Phino DeLeon - Schloss Edward J., MD - Rhyanon Murray - Amy Lynn Thornsen - Adam W - Kelli Brockington - Stephen Rawlings - Ben Machta - Victoria Yu - Kevin Rivers - Gray Dyer - Brad Clark - Christopher - Michael J. Cunningham - Kari Kirk - Mark Boggs - Mino Capossela - Steve Paquin - Mary Schoenmaker - Sarah - David Joske - Emma Sklar - Bernard Khoo - Marc - Robert Heuer - Matthew Golden - Brian Meldrum - David Noah - Geraldine Butler - Richard Cambier - Madeleine Mader - Fernando Rodriguez - Timothy Dougherty - Jason Pratt - Stewart Oak - Caroline Miller - Abbie Berg - Sam Norton - Nicole Schleicher - Doug Belew - Dermot Crowley - Achint Srivastava - Ryan Rairigh - Michael Berman - Stephen Matthews - Bridget Lyons - Olivia Bishop - John Gisselquist - Elaine Martin - Kouroth - Sharon Tree - Belinda McGrath-Steer - Liz Seger - Eoin de Burca - Kevin Potter - M Shane Borders - Pete Simm - Dallas Hockley - Jana J - Jason Gerry - Rich Roskopf - Melissa Gallo - Nathan Gouwens - Will Dwyer - Alethea Lee - Lauren Reay - Eric Prestemon - Cookies250 - Spencer Shirley - Damian Brady - Angela Livingstone - Jeffrey C. Yarnell - David Friedman - Phillip Dalton - Sarah Sulan - Diane Hughes - Kenneth Tiong - Jo Sutherland - Michael Casner - Michael York - Barb Courtney - Derek Bender - Jen Small - Lowell Meyer - Etele Illes - Stephen Tsoneff - Lorenz Schwarz - Becca Sample - Wen - Jack Sjogren - Benedict Pennington - Geoff Golden - Robyn Fraser - Alexander Geddes - Pascal Rueger - Randy Souza - JC - Brendan Jubb - Clare Holberton - Diane Turner - Tom Coleman - Mark Perry - Dhu Wik - Mel - Eric Helm - Jake Roberts - Briony Leo - Bill Fuller - Jonathan Daniels - Michael Flaherty - Jarrod Schindler - Zoe Little - Caro Field - Michael Bochner - Duncan - David Cushman - Alexander - Jeremy Dawson - Chris K - Gavin Doig - Sam Fenn - Tanner Morton - AJ Schuster - Jennifer Bush - David Stroud - Amanda Furlotti - Andrew Baker - Juan Carlos Montemayor Elosua - Matt Gaskell - Jules Bailey - Eero Wahlstedt - Bill Thornton - Brian Amoebas - Brett Douville - Jeffrey Olson - Matt Betzel - Mueller - Nate from Kalamazoo - Melanie Stivers - Richard Toller - Alexander Polson - Earl Lozada - Jon O’Keefe - Justin McElroy - Arjun Sharma - James Johnson - Andrew Lee - Kevin Morrell - Kevin Pennyfeather - Nicholas Schechter - Emily Williams --------------------💃STRONG SONGS LIVE!🕺July 11, 2026 | Portland, ORBuy Tickets Here----LINKS-----💰 SUPPORT STRONG SONGS!Patreon | One-Time Donation🏠 HOMEPAGE👚 MERCH💬 DISCORD SERVER📬 KIRK'S NEWSLETTER🎸 KIRK'S GEAR & INSTRUMENTS🎶 KIRK'S MUSIC📷 KIRK’S SOCIAL MEDIA:Instagram | YouTube | Bluesky🎧 EVERY STRONG SONG:Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music🎨 SHOW ART:Tom Deja, Bossman Graphics